Corporal Cameron Baird, killed in a firefight with insurgents, has been farewelled before returning home.

The casket of Corporal Cameron Baird MG is carried to the Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules by a bearer party of his mates from the Special Operations Task Group before the sad flight home.Source: Supplied

FELLOW soldiers have praised fallen digger Cameron Baird for his courage and bravery as his body was returned to his family at a moving ceremony in Sydney.

Corporal Baird, a Medal for Gallantry winner, was killed in action by enemy fire a week ago in Afghanistan.

Members of his unit, the 2nd Commando Regiment, formed an honour guard at the RAAF Base Richmond to escort Corporal Baird's casket to his waiting family.

Fallen Digger praised for braverySource: Supplied

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison said: "Corporal Baird was a courageous soldier and a first-rate leader. His death is a tragedy for his family and is deeply felt by the extended Army family.

"We receive Corporal Baird home today and in doing so recognise his contribution and his sacrifice in the service of our nation."

Official portrait of Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird, MG, who was killed on in Afghanistan in June, 2013.Source: Supplied

Corporal Baird was described as an inspiration to his fellow troops.

"Corporal Baird never took a backwards step; he was an experienced, combat-hardened soldier, who led from the front, getting the best out of those who worked alongside him," Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General 'Gus' Gilmore, said.

"Cam's fellow commandos will always be inspired by his bravery, his achievements, and by the operational leader he was."

The bearer party carries the casket of Corporal Cameron Baird, MG during the Repatriation Ceremony held at RAAF Base Richmond. Picture: Australian DefenceSource: Supplied

Baird's family released a statement on Friday thanking the Australian community for its support. "The support received from family, friends, the 2nd Commando Regiment, the Australian Defence Force and Australian Football League has been deeply appreciated," it said.

The bearer party stands to attention at the casket of Corporal Cameron Baird, MG during the Repatriation Ceremony held at RAAF Base Richmond. Picture: Australian Defence Source: Supplied

Corporal Baird was born in Burnie Tasmania in 1981 and he joined the Army in 2000 and served in East Timor and Iraq.

Fallen Digger's final homecomingSource: Supplied

He was on his fifth tour in Afghanistan when he fell in battle last Saturday.

He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry in 2007 for his valour during a battle when his mate Private Luke Worsley was fatally wounded.

After recovering his wounded comrade under withering fire his citation says, "Lance Corporal Baird continued to lead the fight, killing several enemy and successfully completing the clearance. Throughout the action, Lance Corporal Baird displayed conspicuous gallantry, composure and superior leadership under fire."

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